A Prayer to Help You Serve with Right Motives
From the Living Free Everyday Devotional
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - (Mark 10:45 NLT)
Jesus came to earth to serve others, and he calls us to do the same. How are you serving others? And just as important—why? Are any of these thoughts familiar to you?
- If I don't help this person, no one will.
- I am the only one who knows how to please this person.
- This is the last time I am going to help this person
- I am tired of being a doormat.
What about any of these?
- I am going to stay around this person because I believe they will change.
- If I continue to do my best to help, I believe things will get better.
- I have to help this person because their poor choices are my fault.
- I am a bad person if I don't do what this person wants of me.
Consider This . . .
Servanthood is meant to be something we do voluntarily. Sometimes, however, we may feel we should do something for others because of pressure we feel from outside sources of intimidation or inner sources of guilt. We may not even realize we are serving another person for reasons other than a sincere and healthy desire.
Here is a prayer we can pray in order to examine our motives and begin to serve the way God would have us serve:
Father, I realize I have had some of these thoughts. I’m quick to think I have to carry others’ burdens on my own. I also see my tendency to think I can save friends and family, when I know you are the only one who can. Help me see any unhealthy motives I have for helping others. Help me establish healthy boundaries. Forgive me for helping out of these unrighteous motivations. Help me serve others with a generous, selfless heart that shows them your love. Help me be motivated by your love, not my own ego. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Editor’s Note: The following is an abridged version of Feeling Pressured? From the Living Free Every Day Devotional. To read the full article, follow this link.
Related Resource: 5 Things Parents Need to Tell Their Kids About War Right Now
When war dominates the headlines, parents are left asking an important question: How do we talk to our kids about it? In this episode of March or Die, Jeremy Stalnecker shares practical and biblical principles for guiding young people through confusing and frightening global events.
Drawing from his experience as a Marine who lived through the wars following 9/11, Jeremy explains why moments of global conflict can become powerful opportunities for parents to teach their children about courage, faith, and moral clarity. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, parents can use them to help their kids understand fear, the reality of evil in the world, and the responsibility we have to stand for what is right.
This conversation explores how parents can alleviate fear, explain why conflict exists, and demonstrate a faith-filled response when the world seems chaotic. Jeremy also discusses the importance of teaching children the difference between necessary and unnecessary violence, why standing against evil matters, and how faith in God provides stability even in uncertain times. If this episode of March or Die helped your spiritual perspective, be sure to follow the show on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Tuesday, 04 February 2020.
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